German priest admits abusing girl

20 February 2004

MAGDEBURG – A Roman Catholic priest in Germany who was recently cleared of child-sex abuse allegations has confessed to sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl, church officials said Friday.

The unidentified priest in Magdeburg is being suspended from all duties pending an inquiry, Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa was told.

Just months ago, a church board of enquiry dismissed similar allegations against the 54-year-old cleric. The latest accusations involve an incident 16 years ago, dpa learned.

Because the case can no longer be prosecuted in the courts, it will be forwarded to the Vatican.